Iran protest (Archive)
Photo: Reuters
Iran protests: Dozens detained
Security forces disperse protestors marking anniversary of controversial Iran elections
Dozens of brave Iranians who hit the streets in order to protest the one-year anniversary of the disputed local elections were detained by security forces at several sites Saturday.
While Iran's opposition earlier called off plans for mass protests in a bid to avert violence, some locals nonetheless came out to demonstrate against the regime. Twelve protestors were reportedly arrested at Tehran's Revolution Square by security forces who attempted to stop them from gathering at the site. Meanwhile, hundreds of students at Sharif University in the capital held a march and chanted anti-regime slogans.
Six students were arrested at the event, and according to one report some students were beaten up by militiamen belonging to the Revolutionary Guards as they were standing at a bus stop and attempting to video the events.
Mosavi: Continue struggle
Earlier Saturday, three opposition supporters were detained at another Tehran square. CNN reported that security forces dispersed protestors using teargas and chased away people on sidewalks in a bid to prevent crowds from gathering.
According to unofficial reports, rallies were held at other cities across the nation, including Mashhad, Shiraz and Isfahan. An opposition website reported a "prominent security atmosphere" at several cities, with forces deployed in large numbers in a bid to avert possible rallies.
Mir Hossein Mosavi, leader of Iran's reformist opposition, urged his supporters Saturday to continue their struggle using non-violent means, despite the cancellation of the mass protest planned to mark the elections anniversary. The event was called of for fear of violence and bloodshed.
